Ryft :The Aristophrenium

Ryft

David Smart (Ryft Braeloch)

ryft-braeloch By the grace of God I am a growing Christian personally, a critical skeptic intellectually, and a skilled craftsman professionally. I’m an avid blogger and aspiring writer from beautiful British Columbia, Canada, who enjoys exploring and understanding the fundamental realities of the human experience. My goal is to become a published author, but for now I am still searching for my thesis (for I want to avoid beating dead horses). Until God grants me that calling, I continue to blog in order to refine my writing, and to debate in order to refine my arguments.

My principle areas of interest and study, in which I invest the majority of my study and writing, are theology, philosophy, and apologetics (in that order). Prior to my conversion I was frequently defeated rather badly in philosophical arguments, which led to a wholesale reconstruction of my world view with a strong emphasis on rational integrity, both internally and externally. Consequently, I now have a keen interest in critical thinking which governs all of my pursuits. In philosophy I am interested in metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. In apologetics I am interested in defending the superiority of the Christian faith. In theology I am interested in defending the biblical faithfulness of the Doctrines of Grace.

At this blog—and anywhere else, really—I write on philosophical issues as a student of revelational epistemology; although my language and presentations are typically contemporary, the views I defend are foundationally predicated on and ultimately appeal to the revealed Word of God. On issues related to apologetics, I argue from the presuppositional view; although most people judge arguments on the basis of certain criteria, I am a critical skeptic of those criteria themselves. And I write on theological issues as a student of the Protestant Reformation; when it comes to evaluating and interacting with issues of the Christian faith, I stand firmly on the ‘five solas’ of the great Reformers.

Profession: Custom wood finisher, in a small woodcraft shop.

Location: Kelowna, BC (Canada).

Church: Grace Baptist Church (Pastor Andy Dietrich).

Stand to Reason: Ambassador’s Creed

An ambassador is…

Ready: An Ambassador is alert for chances to represent Christ and will not back away from a challenge or an opportunity.
Patient: An Ambassador won’t quarrel, but will listen in order to understand, then with gentleness seek to respectfully engage those who disagree.
Reasonable: An Ambassador has informed convictions (not just feelings), gives reasons, asks questions, aggressively seeks answers, and will not be stumped by the same challenge twice.
Tactical: An Ambassador adapts to each unique person and situation, maneuvering with wisdom to challenge bad thinking, presenting the truth in an understandable and compelling way.
Clear: An Ambassador is careful with language and will not rely on Christian lingo nor gain unfair advantage by resorting to empty rhetoric.
Fair: An Ambassador is sympathetic and understanding towards others and will acknowledge the merits of contrary views.
Honest: An Ambassador is careful with the facts and will not misrepresent another’s view, overstate his own case, or understate the demands of the Gospel.
Humble: An Ambassador is provisional in his claims, knowing that his understanding of truth is fallible. He will not press a point beyond what his evidence allows.
Attractive: An Ambassador will act with grace, kindness, and good manners. He will not dishonour Christ in his conduct.
Dependent: An Ambassador knows that effectiveness requires joining his best efforts with God’s power.